Section 18. Officers and employees

The officers, deputy commissioners and
  employees of the department of labor in office when this  section  takes
  effect  shall  continue in office subject to the power of removal or the
  appointment of their successors as provided in this chapter. There shall
  be in such department and the commissioner may  appoint  such  heads  of
  divisions  or  bureaus and such inspectors, investigators, statisticians
  and other assistants and employees as he shall deem  necessary  for  the
  exercise  of  the  powers  and  the  performance  of  the  duties of the
  department.
    The  commissioner  may  transfer  officers  or  employees  from  their
  positions   to   other  positions  in  the  department,  or  abolish  or
  consolidate such positions. The commissioner may remove from office  any
  officer  or  employee  in the department. All such transfers, removal of
  employees or officers and  abolishment  or  consolidation  of  positions
  shall  be  made  in  accordance with the provisions of the civil service
  law.